Bloomberg: Israel urges China to leverage its power to curb Iran’s military ambitions

Israel has urged China to use its considerable economic and political influence to restrain Iran’s military activities and nuclear program.

Speaking from Shanghai, Ravit Baer, Israel’s consul general there, emphasised that China holds unique leverage over Iran due to its significant oil purchases.

“China is the only one capable of influencing Iran,” Baer told reporters on July 1. She added, “Iran would collapse if China didn’t buy its oil.” Her remarks come amid rising tensions in Israel-China relations, largely fueled by Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and recent Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Baer reiterated her views in an interview with Bloomberg TV, highlighting that China’s acquisition of Iranian oil provides it with considerable sway over Tehran. She noted, “Unfortunately, a lot of the money and the revenues that come from selling oil — Iranian oil — in Iran goes to Iran’s malign activities in the region.”

During the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, Iranian military and nuclear facilities suffered heavy damage, and several senior military commanders and nuclear scientists were killed. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect last week, though Iran has expressed doubts about its longevity and vowed to retaliate if Israel resumes hostilities.

China and Russia, Iran’s principal allies among major global powers, condemned Israel’s attacks but stopped short of offering direct support to Tehran. Beijing has also consistently called for Israel to cease its operations in Gaza and pursue a two-state solution for Palestinians—a proposal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects, citing security concerns.

China currently purchases about 90% of Iran’s oil exports, totalling roughly 1.7 million barrels per day. In 2021, China and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement, potentially worth $400 billion in Chinese investments over 25 years.

Baer stressed China’s capacity to exert political pressure on Iran and influence its destabilising actions in the region: “There are many things China can do.”

However, analysts see little indication that China can significantly alter Iran’s military or nuclear policies. Despite growing ties with Beijing and Moscow, Tehran remains resistant to external interference in critical decisions. China, led by President Xi Jinping, appears more focused on strengthening economic relations with Iran than taking on a mediator role in the conflict.

“I don’t think China is interested in being a mediator,” Baer said, noting that mediation would involve substantial responsibility, resources, and difficult choices.

Despite political disagreements stemming from recent conflicts, Baer insisted that Israel’s overall relationship with China—its largest trading partner after the U.S.—remains stable. “We’re still having good conversations,” she said. “Even if we disagree politically, it doesn’t mean you cannot cooperate.”

By Tamilla Hasanova